Top Five MP3 Players for Running 2017

The 5 Best MP3 Players for Running

It's easy to get bored and lose motivation while running or working out. Many people find that when they put on earphones or earbuds and turn on the music, everything changes.

I myself faced this problem. When I realized what a difference music would make to my workout, I wanted to buy an MP3 player designed specifically for running. I wanted a device that would not be burdensome while I was running or working out, and that would just play the music so I could enjoy the exercise.

After a lot of research, I found the one I like (the iPod Shuffle 4th Generation). Read on to find the one that’s best for you.

Top Five MP3 Players for Running

iPod Shuffle 4th Generation

NWZ-W273 Walkman

Aerb 4G Waterproof

Sansa Clip Zip

GoGEAR SoundDot

No need to press buttons

Clear bass and stereo

Snug fit

Display screen shows what song you're listening to

Simple to use

Strong clip

Song search feature

Water resistant to three meters

15 hours of battery life

2GB of storage (about 400 songs)

Light as a feather

Compatible with iTunes and Windows

Floats in the water

Memory card availability

Simple design; USB port hidden by clip

Stores hundreds of songs, podcasts, or audio books

Completely waterproof

Adjustable positioning for swimming or running

Best-selling on the market

Very inexpensive

15 hours on a full charge

Quick charge feature

Great quality for the price

Good value for the price

Reliable

1. iPod Shuffle 4th Generation

Apple targeted a very specific group of users when they released the iPod shuffle in 2010: people who are ready to run or workout and who don't want to worry about holding a device or pressing a lot of buttons. This is the lightest MP3 player I've ever put my hands on. It's really small, has a chic design, and comes with a very strong clip, these features alone put it at the top of my MP3 players list.

If you have heard of a so-called fifth generation iPod shuffle, that is a misnomer. When Apple introduced the iPhone 5 in 2012, they also began offering the iPod shuffle in seven new colors. Otherwise, the device is unchanged.

It comes with a single 2GB module with no memory card available. If you are the type of runner who wants access to big playlists while on the trail, then the iPod shuffle isn't for you. But you still can put hundreds of songs, audio books, and Podcasts on this device. You must have iTunes on your computer in order to sync the device and load your audio files.

Pros: Lightweight, Simple to use, Good quality.

Cons: The clip is too close to the edge and buttons.

Bottom Line: The super lightweight iPod Shuffle does a good job balancing clarity of sound and ease of use to make it a functional MP3 player that’s well worth considering if you’re looking for a compact device.

The World's first small MP3 player

I highly recommend the iPod shuffle. I got the silver model more than two years ago, and I have never had a problem with it. Because they are small, you may want to pick a bright color to make it easy to find.

2. NWZ-W273 Walkman

The Sony NWZ-W273 is designed for sporting types who don't like to deal with dangling headphone wires or Bluetooth streaming, this device allows you to be wireless, hands-free, and distraction-free whether you're at the gym, pool, or outdoors. The stereo and bass are clear and strong.

The ZAPPIN search feature allows you to easily navigate through your song collection by playing back main melodies. The device comes with a 4GB capacity storage and you can easily drag and drop songs using iTunes, Windows Media, or your browser.

Sony says that swimmers love this device, It is waterproof and easy to wear under your cap. (At one point, Sony actually packaged these MP3 players submerged in a bottle of water.) A rubber adjustment band comes in the box.

The awesome thing about this Walkman player is that when you are in a rush, a three-five minute charge will give you an hour of non-stop music playback (Sony calls this a "quick charge" feature).

Pros: Quick charge, Waterproof, Comfortable.

Cons: Small buttons, it comes pre-loaded with some terrible songs.

Bottom Line: While it will cost you a hefty $99.99, the Sony NWZ-W273 is an outstanding waterproof MP3 player.

3. Aerb 4G Waterproof MP3 Player

Swimmers will adore this amazing waterproof MP3 player, It is well-made, and with its competitive price offers quality appearance and functionality.

The headphones fit snugly behind ears and ergonomic buttons control Forward/Back, Play/Pause, and Volume Up/Volume Down, the device is easy to use, offers crystal-clear sound, and includes an FM radio.

The Aerb comes with 4GB of memory storage and is 100% water-resistant to three meters, if you drop it in the water, it floats for easy recovery, and a clip makes it possible to attach the player to your goggles, belt, or clothing, the player can rotate in any direction, so it suits joggers and swimmers alike.

Pros: Snug fit, Good quality, Affordable price.

Cons: It plays only MP3 and WMA files, no shuffle mode.

Bottom Line: Aerb 4G is one of the best waterproof MP3 players, designed for swimmers and people who sweat more than usual, it is for sure a versatile device, that’s well worth considering if you’re looking for such qualities.

4. SanDisk Sansa Clip Zip

For the price, the Sansa Clip Zip packs in a lot of features. A small screen displays information about the song you are playing, an arrow button allows you to return to a previous list, and there is a stopwatch.

This device feels nice in your hand, or can hang from clothing, the best features however are the amazing battery life (around 15 hours) and memory card availability an addition to the stopwatch and FM tuner.

I doubled my device's storage capacity by inserting a Micro SD card with 8GB. This device is also one of the most inexpensive MP3 players on the market.

Pros: Smooth interface, Memory card expansion, FM radio built-in.

Cons: No seal on Micro-SD slot.

Bottom Line: Sansa Clip is a strong performing MP3 player, with multiple useful features that help you concentrate on your workout.

5. GoGEAR SoundDot

When I first got my GoGear SoundDot player, I wasn't sure it was any good, the low price made me suspicious, I knew I could always use it as a hard drive if it didn't stand up as an MP3 player.

Now I'm glad I have one, the clip hides the USB plug, making it easy to attach anywhere. GoGear SoundDots are just like any other MP3 players out there, with the usual "Play," "Pause," "Volume," etc. buttons.

There is 2GB of memory storage (about 400 songs) and a light at the bottom where you connect your headphones, when the device is on, the display shows the battery charge status (green for full, orange for low), and there's a shuffle mode.

Syncing music is easy, just drag and drop, If you have software problems, reset to the manufacturer's setting (using the small button on the back). If you still have issues or you'd like to get the latest firmware for your device, download free Songbird from the Philips website.

Pros: Reliable, Ease of use, Integrated USB connector, Great value for the price.

Cons: No expandable memory.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an iPod shuffle alternative at a low price range, you’ll find GoGear SoundDot a really amazing simple device to use, with no complicated qualities.

Seven Tips to Get the Best Out of Your MP3 Player

When you first buy an MP3 player, test it see if it can can play. Check out all the buttons and leave it charging for 8-12 hours the first day. You will get more out of the battery life.

Don't recharge the MP3 player if it's not in low battery status.

Don't let your MP3 player battery completely die. Recharge it before it shuts down automatically due to the very low battery.

If your MP3 player shuts down due to low battery, it cannot be switched on until after it is plugged in to a power source for a few minutes. Leave it charging for 15-30 minutes and then you will find that it is ready to play.

It is best to charge your player all the way. Most players require between two to three hours to charge, especially the players that give more than six hours of music playback.

As you may know, each battery comes with a limited number of charging cycles. Manufacturers do not reveal how many cycles their products can charge, but typically, between 300 to 500 full charging cycles are available, depending upon the brand and how often the device is recharged.

This tip is very cool: If you go on vacation or plan to not use your player for a while, leave your battery at about 70% charged status and switch off your device. Remove the battery (if the battery can be removed). When you come back and reinstall the battery, the charge will only be slightly lower than you left it.

Which MP3 player do you like and why?

No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked. Comments are not for promoting your articles or other sites.

sending

Appa

20 months ago

Mp3 of exercise

Amy

22 months agofrom Colorado Springs

The waterproof one looks great, I lost an iPod last year in a rainstorm..

bung vumper

2 years ago

Wow tip 7 is so cool. Who would have thought that you could preserve battery life by turning off the device and removing the battery? For all these years I thought that if I removed the battery that it would instantly go to 0% charge. Thank goodness I found this article!!!1111

AUTHOR

Amine

2 years agofrom Doha, Qatar

Of course, glad I could help.

Mike Leal

2 years agofrom London

Great Hub. I used to run a lot but have been very busy at work that I feel exhausted all the time. Planning of getting back into shape soon. I found your Hub very helpful because I know I will be needing an MP3 to be my pal while running. Thanks a lot.

AUTHOR

Amine

3 years agofrom Doha, Qatar

Well it looks descent, what they offer, and then there is the factor which says they are a new brand, most people they tend to go with reputation first. I will try to locate it to see how it works.

Thanks for passing by @Herve

Herve

3 years ago

It seems that some newcommers are on the way, as a runner, I like to listen to music while running but wanted also a GPS watch. So searching actively a GPS and MP3 music player, I have found one TheSportGPS http://www.thesportgps.com that is claiming to be on Kickstarter this summer. Looking at the specifications it seems to be the perfect tool for runner GPS stopwatch, MP3 player and even a Map and tracking history saved compatible with GPX and TCX for sport communities Web like Strava, Runkeeper or Runtastic !!! I can not wait :-)

AUTHOR

Amine

3 years agofrom Doha, Qatar

Well, you are right about the Clip Sport not being able to compete with the Clip Zip, do you mean that it support only 2000 song? I found this link for Sansa Clip Zip on Amazon, http://amzn.to/1AMMO1A because there is not much quantity of this mp3 player, and people who want it are a lot, they have raised the price too much, check with yourself my friend if it deserves that price range, or if you somehow decide to go with no screen and no memory expansion, you know who made that tight with Sansa Clip Zip.

Stewart Smith

3 years ago

Unfortunately, the Clip Zip is no longer available and the Clip Sport that replaces it is AWFUL (I'm just returning it to Amazon now, only supports 2000 files, cannot play an album in order)

AUTHOR

Amine

3 years agofrom Doha, Qatar

I respect your call, but this article here is about the best MP3 players suitable for running and working out, easy to fit in this category, and if there is something that is good or the best today, this doesn't mean that it will be forever the best, in other words other brands will try their best to beat that thing that is best now.

I hope I delivered the message, Thanks again

vinod

3 years ago

in complete report==or we can say worst report==as many of the good mp3 player are not included==vinodjain 9823260643

AUTHOR

Amine

3 years agofrom Doha, Qatar

@Todd You are right about SoundDot become discontinued from the manufacturer, what is out there to sell is only the ones that remained unsold, but about the compatibility with Windows 8 I highly doubt that, because logically it is impossible; after all all mp3 players are USB drives, if windows can't read the USB driver, it's whether the USB (MP3 player)is not working at all, or the USB port for the computer is not working, or 3rd and last logical option which is; the computer read the USB or detect it as a new device but fails to launch it, what prevents windows from running or launching the USB (MP3 player) is the driver, but in our case with the MP3 player the driver is already installed in the MP3 player maybe it can be damage somehow, but once you reset the device to factory settings all that would change.

Thanks Todd for stopping by it's been months I had no comments, only hundreds of views daily, I really appreciate it man, by the way if you have any questions, I am here.

Todd

3 years ago

From what I've read, the SoundDot is discontinued, and does not work under Windows 8

AUTHOR

Amine

3 years agofrom Doha, Qatar

@Brite-Ideas Im glad that your son is a mannered boy.

Barbara Tremblay Cipak

3 years agofrom Toronto, Canada

a very handy page for sure - my sons had to set me up on an ipod for walking, and I'm good to go now!

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